As the implementation of the Maine suicide prevention law requiring suicide awareness and prevention education for all school personnel moves forward, many schools are also considering what is being taught to students. As part of that implementation, each school is required to have at least two Gatekeeper trained staff and it is recommended each district have two Training of the Trainer (TOT) staff to offer these awareness trainings each year for new staff and as needed in order to maintain compliance.
Category: News & Views
NEO Maine Schools Update form
The NEO Maine Schools Update form is required by school units to inform the Maine DOE of school and district contact information, changes in grade spans, and other district- and school-related information.
Reclassification using Alternate ACCESS for ELLs composite score
Recent federal guidance allows Maine to define English language proficiency for an English learner with a disability who participates in Maine’s alternate English language proficiency (ELP) assessment, the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.
Continue reading “Reclassification using Alternate ACCESS for ELLs composite score”
Department provides support for computer-based administration of ACCESS 2.0
The Maine DOE continues to support schools as they prepare for a successful administration of the computer-based ACCESS FOR ELLs 2.0, Maine’s English language proficiency assessment for English learners during the Nov. 30, 2015 to Jan. 29, 2016 testing window.
Continue reading “Department provides support for computer-based administration of ACCESS 2.0”
Blended learning experience for educators of English learners
Maine DOE in collaboration with the University of Maine Project Reach is offering blended learning experience for educators of English learners consisting of companion webinars and a face-to-face workshop.
Continue reading “Blended learning experience for educators of English learners”
Community school pilots for the 2016-17 school year
The Maine DOE has been authorized per Public Law 2015, Chapter 267 to designate three community schools established in accordance with 20-A MRSA Chapter 333 as part of a five-year pilot project beginning in the 2016-17 school year.
Continue reading “Community school pilots for the 2016-17 school year”
Maine DOE clarifies Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) status under ESEA waiver
The Maine DOE is clarifying Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) status under the three-year waiver from the federal government allowing flexibility regarding specific requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Continue reading “Maine DOE clarifies Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) status under ESEA waiver”
Districts must submit waiver affidavits for non-certified staff
Superintendents must now submit a Waiver Affidavit form for staff hired who do not hold the proper certification or endorsement required for the position. An Affidavit of Employment form must also be submitted for personnel being employed under a targeted needs certificate, conditional certificate, transitional endorsement or a one-year provisional extension. These forms are available at www.maine.gov/doe/cert/statutes/.
Continue reading “Districts must submit waiver affidavits for non-certified staff”
Reminder of new certification hours for in-person visits
The Maine DOE is reminding individuals seeking to renew or apply for initial certification of new hours and a policy for in-person visits. Due to the current volume of applications and processing, including a criminal background check, please allow four to six weeks for completion.
Continue reading “Reminder of new certification hours for in-person visits”
September observances in Maine schools
Four observances and recognition days occur in September that provide important civic learning opportunities, one of them is required by federal law. They include:
Maine DOE Newsroom 